Certified to Serve: How Our Federal Design Work Reflects Our Values
Service-Disabled Veteran Heidi Gibson, a founding Partner of studio 2G, works with Partner Ashley Mayou on a project.
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the meaning of service. As a Service-Disabled Veteran owned business, we’re reminded that commitment, integrity, and purpose extend far beyond the military; these same values shape how we approach our work in the world of architecture.
At studio2G, these ideals run deep. Heidi Gibson, one of our founding partners, is a Service-Disabled Veteran whose experience and leadership in the military have helped shape our firm’s culture of precision, accountability, and care. We’re proud to hold six professional certifications that reflect our values; among them, our federal certifications — Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and HUBZone — carry special significance. These designations not only recognize who we are but also align with the values that guide our federal architecture practice.
Federal projects demand more than strong design; they require trust, compliance, and a shared understanding of the regulations and responsibilities that come with serving the public. Our certifications reflect more than qualifications; they represent who we are, what we stand for, and how we continue a legacy of service through design.
What Our Certifications Mean
Each certification demonstrates a different part of our identity and provides unique benefits for federal clients:
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business): Prioritizes veteran-owned firms in federal contracting. It reflects lived experience and a commitment to service, traits that translate into discipline, accountability, and mission-driven work.
WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business): Expands access for women-owned firms and helps diversify the pool of design partners. It underscores our role in advancing equity within the architecture and construction industry.
HUBZone Certification: Encourages business growth in historically underutilized business zones. By being HUBZone certified, we help bring federal investment back into our community and support regional economic growth.
Together, these certifications make us not only eligible for a wide range of federal opportunities but also a partner aligned with government goals of inclusion, representation, and community impact.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and HUBZone certifications.
Our Federal Experience
Over the past seven years, studio2G has expanded into federal architecture, with Heidi Gibson and Ashley Mayou, a Partner at the firm, leading the way. This has led to a range of federal projects that include office renovations, transitional housing, and military-related work. From security protocols to sustainability standards, each project has required us to navigate strict requirements while maintaining a high level of design quality.
We’ve built experience in understanding Statements of Work, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring projects comply with all federal guidelines. Our certifications allow agencies to partner with us through set-aside opportunities, but our design expertise is what ensures projects succeed.
Why This Matters for Clients
For federal agencies, working with a certified small business brings multiple advantages. Certifications provide assurance that a firm has been vetted and meets specific eligibility requirements. They also open access to set-aside contracting opportunities, making it easier to engage qualified partners.
But beyond compliance, small firms like ours bring agility and personal service. At studio2G, clients work directly with senior architects and decision-makers. Our size allows us to adapt quickly, respond to challenges, and provide solutions that reflect both regulatory standards and local community needs.
For regional partners, there’s another benefit: these certifications help bring federal resources back to the Central Coast. Projects awarded locally not only result in new and renovated public spaces, but also contribute to community investment, job creation, and long-term growth.
Our certifications are more than formal designations; they’re a reflection of our story, our service, and our commitment to creating meaningful work. Rooted in decades of experience, these certifications embody the same values that define every project we take on: integrity, resilience, and purpose.
As we honor Veterans Day, we’re reminded that service takes many forms. For us, it continues in our mission to design spaces that support people, reflect shared values, and make a lasting impact.